Know Your Rights

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As a student at McGill, you should Know Your Rights! This refers to a campaign started by the SSMU, educating students on how to traverse what you deserve academically, as outlined by McGill. Sometimes profs may violate one of your rights without knowing, and unfortunately McGill places the onus on the students to address violations; make sure to inform yourself!

Course Syllabi

Content

Course outlines must include:

  • access information for the instructor (office hours, location & phone number)
  • topics to be addressed in the course
  • required texts, recommended texts & any additional materials
  • number, nature and forms of assessment
  • weighting of each assessment
  • any course pre-requisites
  • the University’s academic integrity policy
  • the right to submit written work in English or French
  • penalties for late submitted assignment

Distribution

Instructors are required to distribute a course syllabus during the first week of class[1]

Changes

Contrary to popular belief, there are no regulations regarding changes to course syllabi at McGill. In fact, the University retains the power to change evaluation schemes in the event of any “extraordinary circumstances” outside of their control.[2]

Assessments

According to the University Student Assessment Policy:

  • "Assessment" entails any student activity in a Course for which a grade is granted (2.1.1)
  • Evaluations should be fair, reasonable & reflect the content of a Course (3.1.1)

Scheduling

Students registering for courses during the Add/Drop period shall not be penalized for missed assessments which were due during the course change period, including for class attendance. [3] For full-year courses, only the September Add/Drop period applies.

Labs, tutorials, conferences, and other assessments scheduled outside of lecture time should be scheduled by the end of the Add-Drop period (3.2.4).

Typically, midterms or assessments worth more than 10% held outside of regular class time should not be scheduled during the last 14 calendar days of a course.

This does not include:

  • Regular Assessments worth less than 10% of your grade (e.g. quizzes, reading responses)
  • An oral examination in a language class
  • Most paper assignments (7.1.2)

Midterm Conflicts

Midterms are defined by McGill as “In-Term Examinations,” or exams scheduled outside of the Official Examination Periods in December and April, but also outside of regular course hours. Under McGill policy, exams held during regularly scheduled class time do not technically count as “Midterms” (University Student Assessment Policy, Article 7.1).

As a result, “Midterm conflicts” exist when two in-term Examinations are scheduled at the same time outside of class, or an in-term Examination is scheduled outside of class at the same time as a different class. In these circumstances, students are permitted to write a Deferred Examination(s). However, the instructors of each class should consult in order to mutually determine who shall offer the make-up examination. If a mutual decision is not possible, the regulations on exam conflicts from the student’s home Faculty will apply (Article 7.1.5).

Grade Breakdowns

  • There should be more than one assessment for each course (3.1.4)
  • Exceptions include clinical evaluations in the Faculty of Medicine and requirements for grandfathered sessional lecturers in the Faculty of Law.
  • If a participation grade will be worth more than 10%, a clear rubric must be provided outlining evaluation criteria (3.1.6)
  • Final exams should not be worth more than 75% of the grade, unless the student is given a legitimate choice (6.1.3)

Reviewing Grades

Every student has the right to be informed upon request of their standing or performance in the Course while it is being taught (Charter of Student Rights).

Every student has a right to consult any written Assessment for which they have received a mark, and to receive an explanation of their grade from the instructor (University Student Assessment Policy, 3.6.1). Final grades for Fall term courses should be posted by the day before Winter term lectures begin, while grades for Winter term courses should be posted within two weeks of the exam date.

In addition, students have a right to an impartial and competent reread of any written Assessment and, where warranted, a revision of the grade received (3.7.1). Both guarantees are subject to “reasonable” administrative arrangements and time-frame. The administrative process for most reassessments is regulated at the Faculty level.

Final Exams

Final exams are held during the Official Examination Periods in December and April. They should be worth at least 25%, but not more than 75% of a total grade (University Student Assessment Policy, 6.1.3).

In the case of missed assignments or accommodations, students may elect to write a final worth more than 75%. However, they must also be given the choice of another assessment (6.1.3).

Conflicts

Final exams are held during the Official Examination Periods in December and April, except in the Faculties of Medicine and Dentistry. Exam scheduling and conflict resolution is dealt with by the Exams Office, except in the case of Faculty-administered exams.

Academic exam conflicts exist where a student has:

  • Two exams at the same time;
  • Three consecutive exams in 24 hours;
  • Four exams in two days; or
  • Five exams in three days.

Religious conflicts exist where an exam interferes with a religious holy day or observance. More information on recognizing exam conflicts can be found here.

Students who are experiencing conflicts should submit a Final Exam Conflict Form within four (4) weeks of the start of the exam period. If you require guidance or are facing difficulties in addressing a conflict, contact the Exams Office directly.

Reviewing Exams

Every student has a right to consult any written Assessment for which they have received a mark, and to receive an explanation of their grade from the instructor (University Student Assessment Policy, 3.6.1). In addition, students have a right to an impartial and competent reread of any written Assessment and, where warranted, a revision of the grade received (3.7.1). Both guarantees are subject to “reasonable” administrative arrangements and timeframe.

Accommodations

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What if I can't write a midterm?
Speak to your professor as soon as a conflict arises. The professor may request valid documentation as proof. Possible accommodation could include mid-term deferrals or dropping the midterm in favor of a higher weighted final.
What if I need an extension?
Even when instructors have restrictions or penalties around late assignments, some are understanding of extenuating circumstances. It may be worth explaining your situation to the professor directly and working together to negotiate deadlines. Some may ask for supporting documentation. The Office for Students with Disabilities can act as a liaison between you and your instructor.
How can I defer an exam?
All undergraduate students can apply for an exam deferral through Minerva by going to Student Menu > Student Record Menu> Deferred Exam Application. Supporting documents can be brought to MESC
Students in Arts, Science, Engineering, Law, Management, Education, Agriculture + Environmental Science requesting a deferral for the first time will be granted one without a medical note.
What if I fail a class?
If you receive a failing grade in a course but are still in good academic standing, you may be eligible to write a supplemental exam which will count for a large part of your final grade.
What if I need things like a quieter space or more time to write exams?
The Office for Students with Disabilities can arrange services like alternate exam rooms and longer exam times.
To book your first appointment with an Access Advisor, call 514-398-6009.
Where can I get medical documentation?
McGill Counselling and McGill Student Health Services are student-fee or health insurance covered services on campus that can provide medical notes either during appointments or drop-in hours.
Medical notes can also be issued by medical personnel at private clinics, CLSC’s, emergency rooms, etc. Click here for more information about off-campus clinics and services.
Medical Notes Policy
How do I withdraw from a course?
The latest you can withdraw from a course without seeking special permission is by the late withdrawal deadline, which can be found in the Calendar of Academic Dates.
After this deadline, permission to withdraw from a course will only be granted under exceptional circumstances (e.g. family tragedy, medical emergency). You must submit an online form explaining your situation to the Internship & Student Affairs Office.
How do I withdraw from University?
You can find the deadline for university withdrawal with refund and withdrawal without refund here. Requests must be made through MESC
To return to University, you must submit an application for readmission using Minerva’s Faculty Transfer/Readmission Menu. This application must be submitted by the deadline for your Faculty.
Can I get a failing grade removed from my transcript?
In exceptional circumstances, you can e-flag a course on your transcript – this means that it is excluded from your completed credits and GPA- by speaking with your faculty advisor.
How can I use the Office for Students With Disabilities?
Beyond just being a source for documentation, the Office for Students with Disabilities can also act as a liaison between you and your instructor, helping you negotiate things like deadlines and absences. The OSD can also help you access certain resources such as note-takers and evaluation accommodations like extended time. If you are someone with a permanent or temporary disability (physical, learning, or mental health) call 514-398-6009 to book your first appointment with an Access Advisor!
What if I have a religious conflict?
Students cannot be penalized if they cannot write exams or other evaluations due to religious conflicts.
Students who cannot meet academic obligations because of religious conflicts are responsible for informing the instructor at least two weeks before each conflict. If the instructor and student are not able to agree on suitable accommodations, the matter will be referred to the faculty’s Associate dean who will have the final decision.
How can I request accommodation if I have a dependant like a child or elderly parent?
Students may seek accommodation for care-taking responsibilities if it is not possible to make alternate arrangements before the time of the academic obligation.
Students need to notify instructors and the relevant Student Affairs Office as soon as possible prior to an academic obligation that cannot be completed. In cases of emergencies, students must inform the instructor and relevant Student Affairs Office no later than 48 hours after a missed academic obligation.The student will have to provide any documentation that is requested by the University.
After these steps, the instructor and student will try to identify suitable accommodations which may include rescheduling, alternative method of evaluation, and arranging a note taker. Any disputes can be referred to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs who will make the final decision about what kind of accommodations to pursue.
Additional services on campus for student parents include the SSMU Daycare, McGill Day Care Centre, and Family Resources Coordinator
How can I request accommodation in the case of a pregnancy?
To request accommodation, pregnant students need to inform their relevant Student Affairs Office by submitting supporting medical documentation. Students will then meet with the Undergraduate Program Director and/or the Associate Dean of Student Affairs to work out a plan for the duration of their pregnancy. Any accommodations will be confirmed in writing and filed with the Associate Dean.

If you have been denied accommodation or supporting documentation, or require assistance in navigating the accommodation process, find out who to contact.

Relevant Policies

Charter of Students' Rights
Outlines the protections that you are guaranteed as a student of the University, such as:
  • Rights around assessment and learning environments
  • Grievances and access to personal information
Policy Concerning the Rights of Students with Disabilities
Lays out the procedures for accommodating students with disabilities, such as:
  • Application
  • Admission
  • Financial aid
  • Support services
  • Academic modifications
  • Barrier-free learning environments
Contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for more information
Policy for the Accommodation of Religious Holy Days
The University’s policy on accommodating students who are unable to meet certain academic obligations due to religious observances
Regulation on Conflict of Interest
  • Identifies potential conflicts of interest and how to address them in the University setting
  • Conflicts may exist whenever a member of the University community is in a position to influence activities in ways that could lead to personal gain or an improper advantage for themselves or others
  • May be referenced in the context of inappropriate relationships/abuses of power between professors and students
Code of Student Grievance Procedures
Policy on the Ombudsperson for Students
  • The Office of the Ombudsperson offers confidential and informal dispute resolution services
  • Can be accessed for issues around academic rights, supervision, interpersonal conflicts, and more
  • They cannot initiate formal grievance procedures or take action against the university
  • ↑ University Student Assessment Policy: Article 3.2.1
  • ↑ University Student Assessment Policy: Article 3.2.3
  • ↑ University Student Assessment Policy Article 3.1.5
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